The Indian women's hockey team suffered their second straight defeat in the 2016 Hawke's Bay Cup on Sunday after losing 0-4 to Ireland. Anna O’Flanagan, Nicola Daly, Chloe Watkins and Megan Frazer scored the goals for Ireland. India had lost their opening match 0-1 to New Zealand on Saturday.

Both teams started the first quarter cautiously, analysing each other's game. India, despite holding lesser possession, had the best chance of the period as Poonam Rani was denied by a smart save from the Irish goalkeeper on the line.

In the second period, Ireland started making their possession count, earning several penalty corners through the period. Rajani flicked away the first one expertly, but the second fell as a rebound for Anna O’Flanagan to score the opener for the Irish. A similar situation gave Ireland another goal within minutes to extend their lead to 2-0 at halftime.

The third period saw Rani being shown a green card for aggression in the 37th minute to leave India a player down. Ireland punished India by scoring through PCs by Chloe Watkins and Megan Frazer and extending their lead to 4-0.

India hoped for some reward in the final quarter, with some quick counters, but the Irish goalkeeper Ayeisha McFarren was up to the task at all times. In the end though, it was a dominant win for Ireland who earned their first points of the tournament with the win.

Speaking after the match, Captain Deepika summed up their performance. “We gave away too many penalty corners and didn’t control the ball well enough around their circle. At this level these mistakes are unacceptable and we were made to pay. We will learn from this and move forward and play better in our final group match against China,” she said.